-Motorists applauds Gauteng Premier for scrapping e-tolls
-Premier Lesufi practiced what he sermonised
-Gauteng ANC provincial chairperson is a consumate leader
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has practised what he sermonised following his plan to scrap the controversial e-tolls by the end of this month.
ANC provincial chairperson on Thursday confirmed that he signed all the relevant legislation needed before handing it over to the national government which was the last piece needed for this aspect to come to an end.
“Our technical team has just finalised very important processes, so I can assure you that from the first of April, you will not hear the beep that you normally hear when you pass there, you will not be receiving bills, and you won’t be charged for e-tolls,” Lesufi said.
However, Gauteng Premier acknowledged the decision to scrap e-tolls will be a costly exercise, but his administration will have to find ways to raise the funds.
“It is going to cost us almost R12 billion as a province. The principal amount is R47 billion that we owe to the people that we borrowed money from when we were preparing for the 2010 World Cup and people boycotted the payment.
“Because people were boycotting payments, the government was paying this interest on loans and by last year, we paid almost R21 billion in interest alone. So, the principal amount is waiting there at R47 billion. We are paying interest of R21 billion, which doesn’t make sense. That is why when we entered space, we said let’s bite the bullet, get R47 billion and pay these people. We’ll find a way of raising revenue.”
Motorists from Gauteng applauded Premier Lesufi for putting the final nails into e-tolls coffins.
“I put it to you that Lesufi is a man of his words,” said Thabang Khumalo. “Premier Lesufi is a consummate leader. We are definitely going to vote for the ANC. The man has practiced what he preached therefore as motorists we salute him,” said Merry Letsoalo.
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